Mayor Bob Bartelt suggested naming the park for Chappie, who “has been a stalwart of Bradenton Beach and a pillar of our community for many years.

“He has served as mayor for six years and as a commissioner before that. He has also served on various boards throughout his history of Bradenton Beach dating back to the late 1970s.”

Chappie moved to Bradenton Beach about 38 years ago from Ohio, where he grew up. He first was elected to the city commission in 1997 and then to his first term as mayor in 2001. In that office, Chappie is credited with leading the revitalization of the Bridge Street commercial area.

The city acquired John R. Chappie Gulfside Park for $300,000 earlier this year. The acquisition of the four-lot property settled a longstanding legal dispute between the city and developers who had wanted to build housing on the site.

Chappie said he was humbled, and that “so many people are involved in making Bradenton Beach what it is today.”